Fold Ireland has begun construction on a new 43 unit senior citizen's housing complex in Dublin 8.

The development is part of Ireland's largest ever regeneration project, and will replace the existing senior complex on the Dolphin Park site. It is scheduled to be ready for occupation in early 2019.

Fold outlined its plans for the development today, April 27, at the sod-turning ceremony, where Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ardmhéara Micheál Mac Donncha and Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, were in attendance.

"The design of the new homes is the culmination of more than two years of collaboration and consultation between Fold, Dublin City Council, the residents of Dolphin Park and the wider community. The residents are at the heart of this collaboration and we listened to their ideas and aspirations for their new homes, mindful to incorporate the best principles of design and usability," said Fold's Development Manager, Tina Donaghy.

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"The one-bed apartments will be fully accessible and will each be equipped with Fold's technology platform Telecare, which, among other things, provides 24-hour assistance and reassurance for residents, should they need it. We are delighted that construction is now getting underway and look forward to welcoming the residents into their news homes early next year."

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Minister Murphy said: "The provision of high-quality social housing for older people is one of the key priorities of Rebuilding Ireland. This development is a tangible example of the Government's commitment to that objective and follows the approval of funding for it by my Department in mid-2016. Regeneration projects such as this not only provide housing, they also contribute to social and economic renewal and inject new life into our communities."

Ardmhéara Micheál Mac Donncha commented: "We, in Dublin City Council, are delighted to be working with the Department and Fold on making 43 new homes for senior citizens available on the Dolphin Park site in the near future. These purpose-built units will be constructed to suit the requirements of older people, promote positive ageing and independent living, and will be a very welcome addition to the wider regeneration of the area. Fold has a strong track record of providing high-quality supported housing for our senior citizens, and our collaborative approach has been very positive."

Resident Helen Lally, 78, has lived in Dolphin House and Park for 64 years and will move into the new development in 2019. Speaking at the launch, Ms Lally said: "Having moved from Dolphin House flats to the original Dolphin Park complex for older people in 2017, I am now really looking forward to moving into our new facilities, which will be better designed for the needs of older people like me."

(CM)